Electoral Commission welcomes changes in Electoral Amendment Bill that allows political parties to also provide disclosures after the elections

The Electoral Commission says the Electoral Amendment Bill 2021 will require general election candidates to file a second phase of disclosures after the elections which will allow all stakeholders to verify the pre and post-election disclosures of candidates.

While giving submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights on the Electoral Amendment Bills 2021, Electoral Commission Chairperson, Suresh Chandra says candidates were required to file their disclosures with the Supervisor of Elections 30 days before the general election but there were no requirements to provide any disclosures after the election.

He says the changes in the annual disclosure requirements of political parties will now require registered political parties to compile and publish their own disclosures and finances, including audited accounts on an annual basis.

Chandra says the law further enhances the self-compliance of political parties.

The Electoral Commission also noted the introduction of laws regarding the publication of false information on elections.

The Chairman has also highlighted that in 2018, a political party official was found guilty of publishing false information regarding voter lists.

Chandra states the new amendment in the bill will allow electoral authorities to take action to prevent further publication of false information and provisions promote fairness in the election and also protect voters.